"The Cove" - NHK coverage

[Michael Goldberg]

Last night NHK aired a 30-minute program devoted to the controversy over screenings of "The Cove," or more specifically "controversy" regarding the film itself.  I was unfortunately busy and could not watch or record the program.  My wife watched most of it and gave me a (Japanese) description of what was covered.  I applaud NHK wading into territory lately where rightists are involved (e.g. Nanking).  The issues are nevertheless not easily digested in a 30-minute discussion format with 
"experts."

>>From what my wife summarised, there was criticism of the documentary's taking a predetermined position, and supposed "distortion of reality" of the film in editing – which I think is one of the film's strong points.  It certainly saved the poor camerawork done during overnight placement of the hidden cameras, developed a good storyline, drew sympathy toward the guerrilla film crew, and built up tension Hollywood style.

There are valid critiques.  However, the "mistakes" singled out on NHK were nitpicking in nature, and the "tradition" card was overplayed, IMHO.  The "solution" of giving the fisherman's coop opportunity to air their side of the story was somewhat simplistic.  Censorship of screenings vs the lack of "fair response" by the locals may be an issue which draws the film / artistic community to take sides.  Propagandising on both sides does little to help solve the real issue of the dolphin slaughter.

 I wonder if others on the list had a chance to catch the program, and what their 
thoughts are on how NHK handled it.  



      
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